Labor Day forecast was iffy, but we pressed on with plans for a backyard bash. Close to 90 degrees, horrible humidity, but a big crowd showed and seemed to have a good time. About 4 hours into party we had a 10 minute downpour, but people headed into the AC or huddled under trees and patio umbrella, and then party resumed. I had made a selection of salsas (tomatillo/avocado/poblano, mango, & pico di gallo) and an Asian slaw; Betsy made potato salad and dozens of skewers- pork brochettes with a grilled tomato/chile sauce and cumin seeds, chicken kebabs with coconut curry, and shrimp with a garlicky pesto. We also grilled some sirloin, hot dogs, eggplant, and corn. Lots of good food was brought by guests- I grilled bulgogi, sausage, elk burgers, 2 porgies from Montauk, and more. Various green salads and slaws, grain salads, a caprese, a wonderful beet and nut salad, and several desserts. I have forgotten a lot (and some things got eaten while I was grilling).

Roses2013 Domaine du Fondreche (mag)Crisp strawberries, some light floral notes, minerally finish, very good and the mag is first thing drained. B+

2012 Cowan Cellars Sauvignon Blanc (Lake County)Wait a minute. I didn’t bring this up from cellar. But no one else at this party would be on this list. Aha, a regifter. Yep, turns out I carried to Donathan’s and it wasn’t opened, and they grabbed first white they saw in their cabinet. OK, the wine.This doesn’t bear the Isa designation, and I don’t think this is skin-fermented. More typically SB than the Isa, grapefruit and a hint of herbiness, nice balance, good wine. B+/B

1989 du Fieuzal Rather rich exotic nose with ripe cassis and sandalwood, but somewhat short and clipped on palate, with a roasted edge to the fruit. B-

1994 Lakespring Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa)I can’t believe this is the first red emptied. Disjointed and cracking up, overripe fruit is all stewed, finish is short. C/C-

1998 Vieux Chateau ChauvinMidbodied, black and red currant fruit, earth, just a hint of oak. Easy drinking, good for a cheap '98 St. Emilion. B

2010 Desvignes “Javernieres” MorgonThis was too cold at first (straight out of cooler) and it made the tannins stand out. As it cooled to cellar temp it became a delight- black cherry, smoke, some green herbs. Balanced and long. B+/A-

Despite the muggy temps and the brief downpour, a very fun party with friends.

Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C drinkable. Anything below C means I wouldn't drink at a party where it was only choice.Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.

Actually looking at CT it seems the Fondreche is Ventoux. Which is actually Rhone, though I guess right on Provence border. I think Cathleen said this is only being sold around here to restaurants (she does consulting for Kacher).